Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
remember, however, that the actual observation range for all thermal imaging systems depends on the weather conditions. For instance, for ơT (contrast of temperatures between the background and the target) of 3 degrees Celsius, for a 2.3x2.3 meter target, a slight haze or dusty air may diminish the listed ranges by 20%. Morning fog decreases the range listed above by around 35%. 5 mm/h/sq. m. rain is even worse. Here the range reduction goes up to 55%. Fog reduces the range of the cameras by more than 80%. The daytime cameras suffer even more. Minor haze/dusty air tends to decrease the ranges by ca. 55-60%. This is why the manufacturers of fighting vehicles need to heighten the situational awareness of the crews. stepping beyond the realm of the vehicle's sensors. The remaining components of the fire control system within the turret are the same, as the ones used in MBTs - gyro and accelerometer blocks are separate for the turret, sights, and hull. Furthermore, the hardware includes electromechanical drives of the turret (stabilization and motors in the azimuth plane), weather sensors (wind, atmospheric pressure, temperature), a central shock-resistant ballistic computer, that can also withstand vibration, EMP impulse, and extreme temperatures, and BMS/BFT turret radio system. One can risk a statement claiming that the WB Group's engineers have created a fire control system that is at an MBT level but tailored for use in an IFV. This, however, would not do the turret justice. Several ZSSW-30 FCS solutions make it comparable to two other foreign turret designs, among several models of turrets manufactured for IFVs. And why is that? First, the accuracy is the best, compared to any other system used in the Army. Unofficially the turret offers accuracy better than Leopard 2A5 MBT, at 2 kilometers, when engaging moving targets. If the above is true, the turret's performance is outstanding. And secondly, the modern fire control system in ZSSW-30 makes it possible to engage moving targets regardless of the turret/hull position (and the position of the commander's sight), in 3 dimensions. This may come as a surprise, but there is only one turret in the world, fitted with an automatic cannon, that offers similar levels of performance. There is another design that is close to ZSSW-30, but only reportedly. The remaining designs are considered ineffective when engaging targets on the move, when the vehicle enters a ditch, or when it is moving down an inclined slope. Thirdly, the ZSSW-30 offers an automated engagement process. Both the commander, as well as the gunner, have a contrast-based auto tracker system at their disposal. The tracking gate has a selectable area. Fire may be laid down automatically, with all firing solution adjustments made automatically, without human input. This diminishes the risk of human error. The gunner only needs to designate the target (this process is semi-automatic), press the rangefinder's button, and pull the trigger. The ZSSW-30 turret features the hunter-killer plus capability (common in the latest MBTs). The commander may detect and designate targets on his own, and transfer them to the gunner. He can also detect and neutralize them on his own, in any conditions and circumstances. Furthermore, the commander and the gunner may also switch roles (excluding the www.fragoutmag.com